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Discover 8 shonen anime that frequently get mistaken for shojo. Additionally, find how the series rank amongst each other.
As the years have passed, anime genres have often blurred the lines, misleading fans about their target demographic. While shonen is typically believed to be aimed at teenage boys and shojo at adolescent girls, many stories don’t adhere strictly to these restrictions.
Here are eight shonen anime commonly mistaken for shojo, ranked based on their remarkable storytelling and quality.
8) Boarding School Juliet
Boarding School Juliet is a clever take on the Romeo and Juliet story, set in the prestigious Dahlia Academy. The story centers around two opposing factions in this boarding school, led by Juliet and Romio. While they outwardly seem to hate each other, in reality, they are deeply in love. However, keeping it a secret to maintain the peace in their school is easier said than done.
The romantic premise of the series, gorgeous art style, and the lovable relationship between the protagonists might lead many to believe it is a shojo. However, it also features thrilling fight sequences and highlights leadership skills, which are staples of shonen. By balancing engaging romance with intense rivalries, the series is a blast to watch from start to end.
7) Black Butler
At first glance, Black Butler appears to be a standard shojo anime with an attractive cast, elegant designs, and a unique dark fantasy tale. It follows a young nobleman, Ciel, and his demonic butler, Sebastian, as they unravel mysteries in London’s dark underbelly.
While the gothic setting and the ambiguous relationship between the two male main characters might seem more geared toward a shojo audience, it also features a revenge-driven narrative, thrilling suspense, and elements of strategy. Hence, this is a fascinating anime that makes for a memorable viewing experience, regardless of its mistaken identity.
6) Tonikawa
Tonikawa is a wholesome romantic story following the married life of Nasa and his mysterious wife, Tsukasa. Despite knowing very little about each other, the two skip a few steps and begin living together after a chance encounter. By discovering new things about their partner every day, they only fall deeper and deeper in love.
Tonikawa has the elements of a classic shojo tale, featuring soft visuals, endearing character interactions, and a focus on married life. Despite this, it technically falls under the banner of a shonen, with its source material published in a shonen magazine. Regardless, if fans wish to experience a series that would make them die of sweetness every episode, this is the perfect pick.
5) The Ancient Magus’ Bride
The Ancient Magus’ Bride is an emotionally engaging narrative following a young girl who is bought at an auction by a mysterious magus. The protagonist, Chise, who faced a traumatic childhood, is taken into the stunning world of magic. Surrounded by fairies and all sorts of mythical creatures, she sets off on a journey of self-discovery while bonding with the magus, Elias.
The dream-like world, female protagonist, and romantic undertones of The Ancient Magus’ Bride often lead many to label it as shojo. However, its deep exploration of magic, character psyche, and intense drama surpasses this label, appealing to all audiences.
4) Komi Can’t Communicate
As the name suggests, Komi Can’t Communicate follows a shy girl named Komi whose dream is to make 100 friends. When struggling to take her first step, she is supported by her classmate Tadano. While running into all kinds of characters and bringing Komi out of her shell, the two form an adorable relationship.
Komi Can’t Communicate’s relaxing slice-of-life plot, episodic structure, and female protagonist may deceive many about its shonen origins. However, it is a heartfelt tale of overcoming one’s anxieties, tackling serious topics with optimism and lighthearted humor. This makes it a story that can be universally appreciated.
3) Kono Oto Tomare
Kono Oto Tomare is a beautiful series following the drama of a high school koto club and its members. The main cast features a handsome blond-haired misunderstood delinquent and a headstrong female who goes from hating him to loving him. This makes it easy to understand why fans think it is a shojo.
Nevertheless, Kono Oto Tomare balances character dynamics with its focus on the craft of the koto. Despite its light, shojo-like budding romances, themes of perseverance and teamwork needed for mastering the koto align with shonen conventions. Therefore, Kono Oto Tomare’s emotional depth and inspiring narrative make it a must-watch for any anime fan.
2) Horimiya
As one of the most popular romance anime, Horimiya captivates fans with its deep dive into romantic relationships. The protagonists, Hori and Miyamura, grow from classmates to a loving couple who find comfort in each other’s presence.
Horimiya covers the nitty-gritty of romances, going past just the confession to how dating actually looks. This is generally unknown territory for shonen anime, which has caused it to be misidentified. However, its realistic portrayal of teenage bonds paired with stunning animation has made it extremely impactful despite having only a few episodes.
1) Your Lie in April
Your Lie in April is a poignant tale of love, loss, and music that many still believe is a shojo anime. The series follows a piano prodigy named Kousei Arima who is left with deep scars from his abusive childhood. However, with the bright presence of the violinist Kaori, he rediscovers his passion while forming a special bond with her.
Your Lie in April is an emotionally charged narrative with melodies that tug at our heartstrings. The series’ art style is heavily reminiscent of shojo anime, while the budding romance between the leads might cause many to not realize its shonen nature. Nevertheless, its profound themes, exploration of grief, and the transformative power of art will resonate with all demographics.
Conclusion
These eight shonen anime challenge genre conventions with their depth, artistic styles, and focus on relationships, often leading to their misclassification as shojo. They highlight how the boundaries between genres are being nullified, creating stories that can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone.
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